Review Highlights
“. In other words, going in just for the cats doesn't feel like when you go to church just to use the bathroom.” in 36 reviews
“For all the reselling of used books on eBay and Amazon, the prices were pretty competitive.” in 8 reviews
“:-) One of the most enchanting aspects of this bookstore is the adorable feline residents that roam freely among the aisles.” in 4 reviews
Location & Hours
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About the Business
Business owner information
Jamie L.
We've been on Capitol Hill for 35 years, selling used books of all kinds: literary fiction, poetry, sci-fi, mystery, history, philosophy, children's books, first editions, rarities, and more.
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Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
252 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
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2 stars
1 star
- May 6, 20241 check-in
I remembered this gem from our last trip to Seattle, and just HAD to come back to get my fill of kitty cuddles; and buy enough books that it's likely to challenge the check-in weight limit at the airport. Worth it!
The value of some of these books is unreal. I got a couple perfect editions for half off the original market price, much to the chagrin of Amazon Prime. Haha, Bezos. I saved myself $70+ on my wishlist alone AND supported local -- but enough pettiness.
On a serious note, the workers were all very sweet, the cats were as adorable and well behaved as always, and the inside is as charming as a Seattle bookshop should be, creaky floorboards and all! Gosh, I love this place :)Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Maxwell A.Seattle, WA0628May 2, 2024
The best (relatively) slept-on tourist destination in Seattle, at least for book-lovers and cat-lovers. Also good for regular residents who just want to browse books and pet cats.
CAT REVIEWS
Buster (confident gray tabby): The guy in charge. Minor problematic behaviors (he bullies Lily), but he is a cat so it happens. Always friendly except when he's busy furiously chittering at crows and pigeons outside the window. Beware, he may claim your shoulder for a ride without warning. RATING: 5/5
Lily (large round calico): Very soft. Gentle. Serene. Either an angel, or an alien sent to evaluate and judge humanity. She is shy but unless you get really aggressive with her, she will simply stare saucer-eyed at you while you pet her and politely allow it. RATING: 5/5
James (large tuxedo): "Mom. James Mom." --Pepperjack's assessment. RATING: 5/5
Screamer (all black): A visionary who dreams of the void at the heart of the cosmos. He is haunted by the psychic insights that batter his tiny feline brain, and so he screams. He will also snuggle any hands that pet him when he's in a good mood. RATING: 5/5
Pepperjack (long orange tabby, just barely adult): Peak orange. Possesses approximately 83% of a used braincell because the rest of the space in his soul is taken up by love and snuggles. Has learned the arcane ways of the shoulder ride from Buster. RATING: 5/5
Myrtle (small skinny calico, just barely adult): Fearless chaos elemental. Sufficiently obsessed with running water that she has learned to stand up and operate a dispenser that was installed for humans with a single paw. Makes tiny meeping noises instead of meows. RATING: 5/5
When it comes to books, there is always an interesting selection, both because of a location that draws a lot of unusual people with exciting books to sell, and because of dedicated curation. As a matter of pragmatism and fairness, prices are matched against whatever the cheapest you can find online is. Staff is honest and transparent about this when selling or buying.
All employees clearly care about the joys of both reading and loving cats.
The proprietor, although reliably helpful to customers and willing to chat about books and offer recommendations whenever she has the time, can be mildly crotchety. I encourage reviewers to consider the stresses of being a human individual in charge of a heavily-patronized small business in the trendiest neighborhood in Seattle instead of docking stars for this.
Terry Pratchett speculated that libraries and used bookstores were portals to a magical dimension known as L-Space. Twice Sold Tales is definitely a solid manifestation of this phenomenon.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 136172Feb 16, 2024
Twice Sold Tales is an absolute treasure trove nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill for any book aficionado. Spent my Valentine's Day afternoon in this cozy-unique bookstore for the first time and boy did it leave an impression. Stepping into this welcoming haven feels like entering a literary sanctuary where time slows down and stories come alive. The space exudes warmth and nostalgia, with shelves stacked high with books of all genres, inviting exploration and discovery
I only left with two books, both were very well priced might I add. The selection was so vast I wanted to get more! Best believe, I will be back. :-)
One of the most enchanting aspects of this bookstore is the adorable feline residents that roam freely among the aisles. These furry companions add an extra layer of charm to the already delightful atmosphere. It's impossible not to smile as you browse through the shelves while a curious cat curiously investigates the latest arrivals or lounges contentedly in a nearby window.
The staff here are passionate about books and incredibly knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or engage in friendly conversation about literature. Whether you're searching for a rare collector's item or simply looking to get lost in a good read, Twice Sold Tales has something for everyone.
If you're a book lover or a cat enthusiast (or both!), this bookstore is an absolute must-visit in Seattle. Prepare to be enchanted by the literary wonders and the delightful company of its furry residents.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Apr 24, 2024
Cats! So many cuties walking around or sleeping. There are some litter boxes around but it doesn't smell. There is no entrance fee so you get to go see some kitties while looking for books!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Oct 21, 2023
An adorable bookshop with adorable kitties! This bookstore was actually pretty expansive in my opinion! Lots of little nooks and crannies with books to check out.
Staff is very friendly and helpful if there's anything you need or have questions. The book selection is a little dated but that doesn't mean there aren't amazing stories and great authors.
I unfortunately couldn't stay long because I started to get allergies from the cats but they really are so cute!!Helpful 6Thanks 1Love this 3Oh no 0 - Nov 26, 2023
If you like books and if you like cats, this is the place to stop by! As a second hand bookstore, this shop has an extensive selection of books, and they've tried to organize the books based on genre. As you can also expect from a used book store, there is not always a multitude of options within more popular genres or with very popular authors! But this makes sense, and I did still find some of my favorite books, and some books I was interested in reading! And all for a good price, especially compared to buying new, and with the added benefit of buying something second hand!
And if you like cats--this is the place for you. There are cats lounging all around. You can't pick them up, but if you want to pet a cat then they're great! The cats are friendly, and if they're overwhelmed they have plenty of space to walk away and have alone time. Super cute and nice place to spend some time!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Feb 8, 2024
We were going to Neko Cafe but we ended up coming here instead. I thought the whole concept of cats and bookstore was unique and interesting! People can walk in and pet the cats there without any fee. They're just there to roam around which was cute. The staff was very friendly and the interior of the bookstore was cute! We mainly came here to visit the cats but I did notice some cool books that they had there! The bookstore is also pretty quiet and chill. Overall, I would come back and visit.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 48511854Sep 3, 2023
A cute little bookstore nestled right off Broadway in Cap Hill -- their resident cats are adorable and wander the store, but would definitely just beware if you're allergic. If you are patient enough to peruse, this is the spot for you. As with all used book stores, it's a smidge overwhelming and there's SO many titles crammed into the floor-to-ceiling shelves. That being said, they're a LOT more organized than most and the employees were so helpful -- they were able to help us find some books by specific authors and make recommendations.
The variety of books in here is awesome, ranging from cookbooks to coffee table books and tons of others. I feel like I usually don't see this level of organization and variety, all for super fair prices too. Their dollar books are great, with fairly modern titles and old classics. I snagged a Mindy Kaling book off that shelf -- will be back for more!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - May 22, 2023
Very similar price as to half priced books except I didn't come here for the books, I came for the cats. Saw 3/4, see pics. Two were half sleeping and one was on duty making the rounds between book shelves making sure we're finding everything okay.
All used books, all the way down to vintage ones, sectioned and organized into categories. There are no chairs but plenty of customers make themselves at home on the floors. Overall a quiet place to explore.
There are dollar bin by the entrance. Come and support the cats :)
Will return to find the 4th oneHelpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jasmine K.Bothell, WA1132Mar 12, 2024
I went here back in May but I still remember my experience being great! It seems like the perfect place for me since I love cats (all animals) and books. Although I wasn't much of a fan of their book collection I still enjoyed the cozy environment. The cats seemed to really love me too! I was giving them all my attention and they seemed to love it which made my day. I hope I can come back here with my boyfriend soon who absolutely loves cats!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
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